Subj: PASSION ATE DARK SHADOWS Part Five
Date: 4/7/00 6:00:14 PM Central Daylight Time
From: N.E. Collins

Angelique gathered the gold cufflink with the silver broach as she set about beginning the spell that would make the Countess fall madly and helplessly in love with the man the witch had chosen. She lit a red candle in fromt of her and began to intone the incantation. "Powers of Darkness! Hear me! I am the Master's servant and you are mine! Aid me as I put a dark passion on this woman, this Countess duPres! She will become hopelessly enamored with the owner of this piece of golden finery! Give me the power to do what MUST be done to seal her fate! OBEY ME! NOW!"

The flame of the red candle shot ceilingward and the sound of many voices filled the dark shadows of the witches room. Her "merry" laughter intermingled with their chaotic mumblings. And even in the darkness Angelique's blue eyes shone like crystal stars.

The family and their guest were all seated around the dining room table as they fitfully consumed their evening meal. Tensions, at best, were running high. Joshua was in an even worse mood than usual. He had had to have one of his best breeding mares shot after she broke her leg, and he was aggravated that Naomi had spoken out of turn, and if he had to listen to one more excuse why the new house wasn't finished he knew he would lose his mind! Naomi was inebriated and that was beginning to be her usual state. She was quietly vague this evening. Barnabas and Josette stole quick loving glances across the table, but they felt uncomfortable around their elders nonetheless.

The Countess was in rare style. In addition to her complaints about the selection of wine and that her meat was too well done, she had the audacity to suggest that when the new house was completed that she should be allowed to move into it with them and stay for an indefinite period of time!

"It would only be appropriate," she said between enormous bites of food, "for me to stay on for a period to see that my niece is properly set up in her new position as Barnabas' wife."

"How thoughtful of you." Naomi spoke as if she were half asleep.

Joshua didn't say anything. He just sat there in a shocked silent way and to himself he swore on everything sacred that he would do his utmost to manuver this "free-loading" soon to be relation out of his house, and out of his life. Suddenly, Natalie gasped and clutched her chest around her heart! She tried to rise. She tried to speak. She could do neither. She finally let out a sound. It was a wailing moan of such loneliness! It even got Naomi's attention.

Josette got up and ran to her aunt's defense. Barnabas joined with them as Josette fanned Natalie fervently! The Countess was in a dizzying haze as her complexion took on an ill caste! Then just as abruptly as the weakness had come over her, it lifted like smoke from a flame.

"Madam! Are you not well?" Joshua was asking her as even he had risen to her aid. Natalie's eyes fell upon the Master of Collins House, and instantly fell deeply and passionately in love!